Interview Question: What kinds of goals would you have in mind if you got this job?

Applicants going through a job search should expect this question to pop up. Let’s find out why this question is important, and how to answer it like a pro.

When asking this question, the interviewer is looking for signs of practical action. Perhaps the company is looking for someone to shake up the environment and do something different. (Don’t panic—this doesn’t always mean doing something drastic.)

In your answer, your interviewer or interviewers can determine if you’re a good fit for the job description. This question helps recruiters check your level of awareness and planning skills. Are you a follower, or do you have the initiative to make some moves on your own that will benefit the company?

How to Answer

Because it’s important to be prepared for this question, make sure to do your research about the job before applying. You can research the company’s finances, culture, and background down to the smaller details of the job. Doing this helps you gain points and will give you an advantage among the rest of the job’s candidates.

If you’ve done the research and you’re still not sure how to answer, perhaps you can say that you are willing to research what steps should be taken once you’re offered the job. You’ll likely need to meet the team, understand the company strategy that applies in your area, and develop a plan for action.

When asked about your career goals, you need to know how to communicate both your short and long-term plans during the interview. Discuss how you would achieve your goals and how you will be an asset to the company.

Once you know what to do, draft a career graph for yourself, and put yourself in the shoes of the employer. You will be able to come up with an answer as long as you do your research. To help you further prepare, you can also talk to people in the same field to get an idea of what really goes on inside the company. This can really help you understand the company’s goals and what you can contribute in order to improve the company’s performance.

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 40,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.